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Thanks to an explosively theatrical performance style, Amanda Palmer has carved a niche for herself as one of America’s most galvanizing musicians, both as one half of The Dresden Dolls and in her solo career. She has said, “What I do comes from a deep desire to be seen and to see others.” Her now famous Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for her second solo album, Theater is Evil, raised $1.2 million, giving rise to a TED talk and a bestselling book, The Art of Asking.
Below are Amanda Palmer’s favorite books, available to purchase as a set or individually. See the full list...

10

Dropping Ashes on the Buddha

Seung Sahn

This was one of those life-changing books that finally popped the light off in my little brain, when I read this at 24. These are mostly letters to students, and Seung Sahn writes in this funny, broken-invented English way that screams off the page to be understood; there is nothing clever. I gave it to all my friends. This led us to start email chains for the past few years that now sign off: "ALL THE TIME JUST SAY: DON'T KNOWWWWW" (to be read in Korean accent).

9

The Hotel New Hampshire

John Irving

The first book I ever read that made me jump up and down in bed and pump my fist while reading. It was a physical reaction. I could not help it. I love this book, love this family, love this man's writing. The film's not bad, either. It's a supplement.

8

Steppenwolf

Hermann Hesse

When I was 15, I was in love. At 17, I told him I'd probably sleep with another man if given the chance. He left me in that moment, on the town green, after two years of non-stop passion. He moved to Prague. Seven weeks later, a blank brown packaged arrived with a book in it. No dedication. Another life-changer. Now that I'm married to a fantasy author, I'm not sure why this book isn't filed in fantasy. I was tricked; I don't read fantasy. But this book has a fantastical realism that pierces to the bottom of the psyche. I've re-read and re-read this sucker every five years since then, and I always read a different book.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North

The Talented Mr Ripley

Grand lists is a curated arts site specializing in books and movies selected by 100 public figures and celebrities, ranging from designers, musicians, artists, actors, performers and directors, to politicians, novelists, scientists and athletes.